Moving services don’t come with a one-size-fits-all approach. And when you’re moving priceless and sentimental belongings, you probably don’t want one. These unique specialty items, from grand pianos to delicate artwork, take a lifetime to curate. That’s where specialty moving services come in.
Specialty moving services handle the fragile, unusually shaped objects around the house, in addition to the everyday furniture and decor that standard moving services typically manage. Whether you have an extensive artwork collection, antiques from decades past or a grand piano, your valuables require a more specialized approach.
Bekins Van Lines offers a white-glove, full-service approach to every project, but what exactly does that entail? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in specialty moving.
What Qualifies as a Specialty Item?
For starters, what constitutes a specialty item? This typically refers to items that require extra care and special handling because of their weight, size, fragility and value, such as framed art, tapestries, china, musical instruments or heavy antiques. If you and a friend would struggle to transport it during a DIY move, it is likely a specialty item.
Here are some specialty pieces Bekins regularly sees and handles during relocations:
Fine art- Sculptures
- Pool tables
- Pianos
- Antiques
- High-end electronics
- Heirlooms
- Large mirrors
- Safes
- Grandfather clocks
The Role of a Specialty Moving Company
While every moving company should have training in place for movers, specialty movers receive much more comprehensive training on how to lift, transport, load and unload specialty items. The team should also use proper packing materials when packing fragile items, including custom-sized crates and climate-sensitive containers, to ensure the item is transported in safe conditions.
Bekins, in particular, holds Certified ProMover status, which guarantees high ethical standards and exceptional moving practices, including a full license and insurance. Our nationwide network of trusted agents can assist with full-service moves and tailor your moving plan according to your exact needs.
What to Expect from a Full-Service Specialty Move
If you’re moving heirlooms or a collection of specialty items, it can be tough to know where to start with a full-service specialty move. Bekins offers clear communication and transparent pricing to take out any guesswork. When you’re ready to build your full-service moving plan, here’s what to expect.
- Clear estimates: Get in touch with a local agent to figure out what you need from your specialty move. Your move manager will be your point of contact throughout the process and will work directly with your assigned drivers, loaders and customer service representative.
- Item inventory and risk assessment: Cataloging your belongings ensures everything leaves and arrives together. The most valuable pieces will also undergo a risk assessment to determine what kind of insurance and special handling is required on moving day.
- Custom packing and crating: The moving team will handle all packing and transportation tasks required for the move. Specialty pieces will receive extra care and attention so that every loose screw is accounted for.
- Loading and unloading: Don’t risk an injury trying to load heavy furniture by yourself. Trained movers use special equipment to load boxes, crates and furniture onto the moving truck and unload with care into the new house.
- Safe transportation: Even if you have experience driving box trucks or vans, expert movers will take responsibility for your precious cargo. They’ll navigate the best route possible to arrive at your destination quickly and efficiently.
- Optional storage: Sometimes, the new house isn’t ready for all your specialty items yet. Your moving company may offer short- or long-term storage in temperature-controlled units to keep your items safe and dry.
The Benefits of Hiring Professional Specialty Movers
Curating pieces in your home takes years, so why not make sure you have a team that gives them the care and respect they deserve? Professional specialty movers are trained for every type of relocation, both residential and commercial, across town or across the country. Your move manager will work closely with the team to tackle the logistics of transporting unique and fragile items as efficiently as possible.
Movers can also navigate your home’s layout, whether you have tight spaces, narrow hallways or flights of stairs. A team with exceptional training also does its best to expertly avoid costly damage to your irreplaceable belongings—and injury from trying to move heavy objects yourself. Aside from the peace of mind of a job well done, specialty movers will also offer insurance coverage options and valuation protection.
Bekins customers can attest to our expertise: we have thousands of positive recommendations based on the care we provide for unique items. From start to finish, our team exhibits compassion and care in every move.
Specialty Service for Older Adults & Downsizers
You’d be surprised how many unique items one can accumulate in a lifetime (and in the case of family heirlooms, many lifetimes). Moving specialty items is tough for any untrained person, let alone retirees. Whether you’re moving into assisted living or downsizing, specialty senior movers offer the expertise to relocate priceless belongings during every life transition.
Bekins’ attention to detail and professional approach to moving make us a reliable resource and moving partner. Hiring specialty movers also takes the pressure off of relocating priceless and irreplaceable family heirlooms when moving or downsizing your house.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Specialty Moving Company
Take some time to get to know your potential specialty moving company. You’re entitled to feel comfortable with your decision to hire movers and know that you’re getting the best possible services for your move. Here are some questions we highly recommend asking any potential movers:
- Do you offer custom crating?
- How many movers will be available on moving day?
- Do you have trained fine art and piano movers?
- How do you protect specialty items in transit?
- What insurance options are available?
- What’s your process for handling lost or damaged items?
Why Choose Bekins Van Lines for Specialty Moving?
With over 130 years of trusted moving experience, Bekins Van Lines is a key resource in specialty item moving. We offer personalized service from start to finish, backed by a national network of agents who can tailor your moving plan. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you can rest assured that your specialty items will safely arrive in all their glory.
Once you connect with our agents, your moving plan will be one less task on your to-do list. Moving something special? Let Bekins take care of it. Request your free estimate today.
